By Conrad Prabhu
MUSCAT — Turkish construction giant Yuksel has been awarded a contract to undertake the dualisation of Stage II of the strategically important Ibri–Yanqul carriageway at a cost of $108.75 million. When completed, tentatively by the end of 2017, the dualised carriageway will strengthen overland connectivity between Sohar Port and a key land crossing planned on Oman’s border with Saudi Arabia in the Rub al Khali. Yuksel Construction LLC, along with its Project Execution Partner Abu Hatim, will undertake the dualisation of a roughly 34-kilometre stretch from Yanqul to Ibri, representing Stage II of this vital road project.
Stage I, covering an initial 6km stretch traversing rugged terrain, was executed earlier under a separate contract.
Oman’s Ministry of Transport and Communications is overseeing the implementation of this road improvement scheme, which will enhance overland transport links between the rapidly developing Batinah North and South governorates, on the one hand, and the commercially promising Dhahirah Governorate in the west of the country.
With the closure of Muscat’s Port Sultan Qaboos to commercial traffic, Sohar Port has now become the key gateway for, among other goods, heavy project cargo destined for oilfields in the northern half of Oman. Improved connectivity between Sohar and Ibri (via Yanqul) is seen as key to facilitating such cargo flows into the far west of the country.
More importantly, dualised access between Sohar and Ibri will help enhance Sohar’s, and indeed Oman’s, appeal as a gateway for maritime cargo bound for Riyadh, Jeddah and other interior regions of Saudi Arabia.
Overland freight transportation between Sohar and the eastern regions of Saudi Arabia is seen as a viable and economical alternative to maritime freight involving the passage of ships via the Arabian Gulf via the sensitive Hormuz Strait. Furthermore, with the planned development of a rail link between Sohar and Ibri, overland connectivity will become multimodal along this key route serving the Saudi market in the future, say experts.
As part of its brief, Yuksel Construction will upgrade the existing single carriageway between Yanqul and Ibri into a four-lane dual carriageway. The dualised road will partly follow the existing carriageway and partly run along a new alignment designed to enhance the motoring experience for users.
In addition, the contractor will construct around 75 kilometres of link roads providing improved linkages with nearby villages and towns, as well as the surrounding road network.
Underscoring its strategic significance, the Ibri — Yanqul dualisation scheme was designated a Public Utility Project vide Royal Decree 75/2013 promulgated last year. Improved connectivity with Dhahirah Governorate is expected to also support investment in Yanqul, known for its abundant deposits of copper and other minerals. Oman Oil Company, the strategic investment arm of the Omani Government, already has plans to develop the area’s copper potential in joint venture with Mawarid Mining.
Significantly, Yuksel Construction marks its formal debut in the Sultanate’s booming infrastructure sector with its success in scooping the Ibri-Yanqul Stage II dualisation contract.
The Ankara-based firm ranks among Turkey’s biggest construction contractors with experience in the execution of highways, bridges, tunnels, dams, airports, railway networks, rail transit systems, power plants, industrial facilities, water and wastewater treatment plants, and commercial projects. Yuksel has also undertaken numerous projects in the Gulf, Middle East and Central Asian regions. The construction giant has also set up a joint venture with PORR BAU GmbH (leader), Sarooj Construction Company LLC and Daewoo E&C LLC to bid for Segment 1 of the Oman National Railway Project.
The Ministry of Transport and Communications has stipulated a three-year timeframe for the completion of Stage II of the Ibri-Yanqul dualisation contract. NESPAK is the Ministry’s consultant for the project.
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